Category Archives: Fort Scott

Vehicle Cruise: Social Distancing Fun

Photo courtesy of Carissa Bowman.
Some local residents have planned activities that provide fun for the town and also some nostalgia in cruising National Avenue this Friday, June 5.
The Fort Scott Cruise Night Facebook Group is promoting what they are calling an “Honorary Good Ol Days Cruise.”
“This is not an event sponsored by the city,” Julie Norris, who along with Rachel Cunningham-Fields are the planners, said.  ” It was scheduled purely for fun since Good Ol Days had to be canceled this year due to COVID 19.”
The COVID 19 pandemic precautions include social distancing of 6 feet from nearby people and taking other measures to help stop the spread of the virus that has circled the world and killed over 100,000  American people, according to the Center For Disease Control.
The cruise allows people to maintain social distancing while remaining in their cars.
“Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend,” she said. ” We will be cruising National, just like the “Good Ol Days”.”
The cruise starts at  6 PM Friday night, June 5.
“Our annual Good Ol Days is something we look forward to every year,” Norris said.  “Although we WILL NOT be able to attend, (because of precautions of the pandemic) what better way to honor it, than to CRUISE!”
“So get your hot rod out, work on that car you’ve been meaning to finish, get the motorcycle ready, and Celebrate Good Ol Days on June 5th by cruising,” she said.  “Our lives may look a little different, but we can still come together, and not gather! “
“A small town is a place we choose to be,” she said.  ” A place we raise our kids, find peace in, or retire in. A place we call home.”
There will be several spots to eat along the way, including vendors,  so save some money for supper.

Old Fort Auto Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting June 4

You are invited!
Chamber After-hours,
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting celebrating the opening of
OLD FORT AUTO
June 4th ~ 5:15 to 6:30pm
Remarks & cutting of the ribbon
will take place at 5:30pm
213 Scott Street in the
Downtown Historic District
Refreshments, libations & door prizes
will be offered ~ most of the event will be held outdoors with attendees invited to take turns viewing the inside office area.
The Old Fort Auto team of Rich Aydelotte, Matt Harvey, Matt Bowersock and
Becky Headrick will be eager
to meet everyone, and share their
business & community goals!
Featuring pre-owned
cars, trucks & SUV’s!
Click here to visit them on Facebook,
Click here to visit their website!
Special Note from the Chamber Board:
Following KS state safety recommendations & health practices ~subject to Bourbon County’s continued advancement through the reopening phasing plans.
You may wear a mask at your own discretion.

Tucker Awarded 2020 Best of Fort Scott Awards

 

Diann Tucker. Submitted photo.

Stewart Realty Company is pleased to announce that Diann Tucker, owner/broker, has been selected as the recipient for the 2020 Best of Fort Scott Awards in the category of Real Estate Agency.

This designation and the plaque presentation were created to honor and generate public recognition of the achievements and positive contributions of businesses and organizations in and around Fort Scott.

The mission of this award recognition is to raise the profile of exemplary companies and entrepreneurs among the business community and general public.

Selection as a 2020 Award Winner is determined by the marketing success of an organization in the local community within a specific category. The award program uses empirical data supplied by independent third-parties as input into the award algorithm, and is not based on nominations, voting, contests or surveys.

Diann Tucker was also inducted as a 2019 award winner from Trademark Women of Distinction for demonstrating dedication, leadership, and professional ethics in her community.

The award committee stated that “ Her compassion and expertise has helped set the standard in the local real estate industry as a dedicated professional. The personal touch she adds to her relationship with everyone she does business with is her way of helping people make real estate choices that change lives. Her proven track record of quality service has made her mark on local business integrity.”

Congratulations to Diann Tucker and Stewart Realty for this Best of 2020 Fort Scott award in the field of Real Estate.

FS Golf Advisory Board Will Meet June 12

The Golf Course Advisory Board will meet on Friday, June 12th, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. at Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton. The meeting will take place in the clubhouse.

The Golf Course Advisory Board meeting will not be open to the public at this time due to the limited number of 15 allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This meeting will be made available via the City’s Facebook at City of Fort Scott.

Fort Scott and Bourbon County To Receive Grants to Rebuild Economies and Support Families

66 Kansas cities and counties to receive Community Development
Block Grants to support coronavirus response

 

Editors note: Both The City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County Commission will receive $132,000.

 

Governor Laura Kelly announced today the award of nearly $9 million in Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement (CDBG-CV) funds to 66 Kansas communities.

 

“Kansans have faced unprecedented challenges during the past few months due to COVID-19,” Governor Kelly said. “Our communities need relief – and they need it now. I’m pleased to announce additional resources to help Kansans navigate through the recovery process. These grants will help our communities rebuild their economies and support Kansas families.”

 

Grants were available in two categories – Economic Development and Meal Programs. Economic Development grants provide communities with funding to help local businesses retain jobs for low-to-moderate income people by covering working capital expenses such as inventory, wages and utilities. Meal Program grants can be directed toward organizations such as Meals on Wheels, local food banks or to support organizations providing meals for children affected by the loss of school meal programs.

 

“The COVID-19 crisis has left many communities searching for resources to support their residents and businesses,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The CDBG-CV award provides cities and counties the ability to determine where the greatest need in their community lies and to provide some relief as we move into the recovery phase of the crisis.”

 

CDBG funds are one of Commerce’s primary tools in supporting the state’s small, predominantly rural communities. CDBG-CV grants are part of the state’s allocation from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and are designed to help Kansas communities respond to the needs of their residents and businesses during the reopening phase of the state.

 

The following communities are recipients of CDBG-CV awards.

 

 

Recipient Award Amount
Abilene $132,000
Allen County $132,000
Anderson County $132,000
Atchison $132,000
Baldwin City $132,000
Beloit $132,000
Bourbon County $132,000
Chanute $132,000
Cherokee County $169,200
Cimarron $132,000
Clay County $132,000
Cloud County $132,000
Coffeyville $167,000
Crawford County $132,000
Derby $132,000
Dodge City $132,000
Ellsworth $132,000
Ellsworth County $132,000
Emporia $167,000
Eudora $132,000
Eureka $167,000
Fort Scott $132,000
Franklin County $132,000
Garden City $132,000
Garnett $132,000
Girard $169,200
Gove County $132,000
Graham County $167,000
Harper $152,000
Horton $167,000
Hoxie $173,600
Hutchinson $132,000
Independence $167,000
Jackson County $132,000
Jewell County $132,000
Junction City $167,000
Labette County $132,000
Liberal $132,000
Linn County $132,000
Louisburg $132,000
Marion County $167,000
Marquette $66,000
Marshall County $132,000
McPherson $132,000
Mitchell County $132,000
Montgomery County $132,000
Mulvane $132,000
Neosho County $169,200
Oberlin $80,600
Osborne County $132,000
Ottawa $132,000
Parsons $132,000
Phillips County $132,000
Pittsburg $170,300
Pleasanton $132,000
Reno County $132,000
Russell County $173,600
Scott County $132,000
Sheridan County $132,000
Sherman County $132,000
Smith County $132,000
Thomas County $132,000
Unified Greeley County $55,000
Wallace County $132,000
Wilson $77,000
Wilson County $132,000

 

To date, the Department of Commerce has received 106 award applications totaling more than $32 million. Applications were processed on a first-come, first-served basis. While all funds for this round of CDBG-CV have been awarded, the Department of Commerce expects to receive approximately $7 million in additional funding in a second round of CDBG funds through the CARES Act. More information will be announced as it’s made available from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

 

For more information on the Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement program visit www.kansascommerce.gov/cdbg-cv/.

 

For current information on COVID-19 in Kansas, go to covid.ks.gov/.

 

The Beacon Food Pantry Reorganizes Staffing

The Beacon is located at 525 E. Sixth Street, Fort Scott.

 

Dave Gillen is the food pantry administrator for the Beacon. Photo by Carol MacArthur.

On Monday, June 1, 2020, David Gillen assumed full management of the operation as Beacon Food Pantry Administrator. The new assistant administrator is Patty Mowen. Both are knowledgeable of the operation, and both consider this organization their “mission.” according to the press release submitted by Carol MacArthur, board chairwoman.

Beacon Assistant Director Patty Mowen. Submitted photo.

At this time, no one but the staff is allowed inside the building, according to the press release.

Food orders are called in, filled, and picked up at the back dock of the building at 525 E. Sixth. This practice may become permanent, according to the press release.

Financial requests may be called in at this time as well.

People may call The Beacon and ask for David Gillen, for inquiries, MacArthur said. The phone number is 620-223- 6869.

Improvements in the facility have already been made by Gillen and volunteers.

Office equipment is being updated as needed as well to improve service to clients.

The Beacon, Inc., in existence for almost forty years, began as churches in the community came together to serve the needs of Fort Scott and Bourbon County.

They have provided those struggling in the community as a food pantry and in offering financial assistance, dominantly through the efforts of community-related donations.

Currently, the organization provides food, financial assistance, and referrals to other service organizations.

“People have been so generous with funds and donations,” MacArthur said. ” But we have had difficulty procuring large amounts of food (during the pandemic),”

“The community has been wonderful,” she said.

The Beacon is located at 525 E. Sixth Street, Fort Scott, Ks. 66701, and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with one exception.

On the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, the Beacon is closed during the day and is open instead from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

 

Updated FS City Commission Agenda for the Meeting Tonight

AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

JUNE 2, 2020

6:00 P.M.

I. ROLL CALL:

K. ALLEN P. ALLEN NICHOLS WATTS MITCHELL

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: None

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of May 19th, 2020 and special meeting minutes of May 22nd, 2020 and amended minutes of May 5th, 2020, and amended special meeting minutes of May 14th, 2020.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1264-A totaling $459,811.91.

  1. Consideration of Fort Scott Housing Authority Appointment – Edna Erie – Resident Commissioner – 4 year term

VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE:

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 5 minute limit per citizen) Comments will not be taken during this meeting. If you have a topic to discuss not listed on the agenda, please contact a City Commissioner or send a written request to [email protected].

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS: 6:15 p.m. Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 10 N. National Avenue

VII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Finance Update
  1. Discussion of Pool Opening
  1. Consideration of sale of City property
  1. Consideration of Bids for Curb and Gutter Work – 500 block Andrick

  1. Consideration of Lake Advisory Board Member selection
  1. Consideration of Interlocal Agreement with Bourbon County
  1. Consideration of Code of Ethics for the City of Fort Scott
  1. Consideration of Code of Procedures for the City of Fort Scott City Commission

VIII. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates:
  1. Commission:

K. Allen – Vacancy in Office of City Commissioner

P. Allen –

R. Nichols –

L. Watts –

J. Mitchell –

  1. City Attorney:
  1. City Manager: 500 Block Andrick residents

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE

SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO

(see below justification)

DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE

EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN

MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.

Justifications for Executive Sessions:

  • Personnel matters of non-elected personnel

  • Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

  • Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency

  • Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

  • Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

Chamber Coffee Restarts This Thursday at Sunshine Boutique

Chamber Coffee
this week, hosted by
Sunshine Boutique
featuring their
Newly Expanded Store!
2 S. Main St.
The business has entrances at both 2 S. Main St. and 18 E. Wall St.
This event will take place on the Main Street side.
Per request of the SEK Multi-County Health Dept.,
the refreshments and announcements will take place outdoors
on the sidewalk and attendees will be invited to take turns
going inside to check out the expansion and new merchandise.
There will be a ribbon cutting outside to celebrate the expansion
immediately following the Chamber Coffee.
Attendees are welcome to wear masks and any PPE to
feel comfortable and hand sanitizer will be provided.
Thursday, June 4, 2020
8 am
Go to their Facebook page to view new store images!
Join the VIP group for boutique apparel, accessories & more!
Click here to join Facebook VIP Group.
Chamber Members & Guests are welcome
to make any announcement for $1 to the Chamber about their business or organization including events, new products, promotions, or any other specials!
Special Note from the Chamber Board:
Following KS state safety recommendations & health practices ~subject to Bourbon County’s continued advancement through the reopening phased plans.
Refreshments will be set up and served outside, along with announcements. Individuals are welcomed to browse the
newly expanded shop within their own comfort.
You may wear a mask at your own discretion.
Upcoming Chamber Coffee Schedule:
Briggs Auto of Fort Scott (4 yrs) – 6/11
Bourbon County Garden Club – 6/18
Old Fort Auto – 6/25
July 2nd Chamber Coffee Slot – Open
July 9th Chamber Coffee Slot – Open
Bourbon County Fair – 7/16
City State Bank (100 yrs) – 7/23
July 30th Chamber Coffee Slot – Open